http://www.flickr.com/photos/barberbus/13246715793/
Link above to the new vehicle...can't say I'm a fan of the body style!
Link above to the new vehicle...can't say I'm a fan of the body style!
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Volvo/Wright B5TL
- Thread starter ECML180
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RailUK Forums
bb21
Emeritus Moderator
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Did they borrow Borismaster's upper deck windows? Awful.
GaryMcEwan
Established Member
Did they borrow Borismaster's upper deck windows? Awful.
Pretty sure I saw a brand spanking new Lothian B5TL on the M8 heading towards Glasgow this afternoon, but didn't get a proper glimpse of it...
PG
Established Member
Reminds me of something thats been rebuilt using another manufacturers parts after a low bridge incident :roll:
Qwerty133
Established Member
At least it won't look any worse when dirty 
Meaning it's not possible for it to look worse
Meaning it's not possible for it to look worse
Eng274
Member
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- 19 Aug 2010
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I can see the Oxgangs youth ballistics division having fun with that.
Otherwise, it's pretty hideous. The rear end reminds me of 80s Robocop's helmet.
Otherwise, it's pretty hideous. The rear end reminds me of 80s Robocop's helmet.
I think the rear end isn't too bad, the flatness and large space is good for anyone doing this type of advert:
http://flic.kr/p/bX15sX
http://flic.kr/p/bX15sX
90019
Established Member
Having seen it in the flesh, it's not very nice, and the back end is hideous.
It's a nice idea to have a window at the stairs (though I don't really see the point), but the way they've done it just looks plain odd. The upper deck also looks quite cramped. If any of these were to be bought, I think the livery might need a rethink, as it just doesn't quite work with the new style.
However, it's only a demonstrator, though different people are saying it'll stay for different amounts of time (either 3, 6 or 12 months, mostly).
From what I've heard, it's a bit slow and those who have driven it aren't particularly keen.
I believe it's the same 5 litre engine we have in the 7905 Hybrids, though they have the advantage of the electric motor, but they're properly slow to get moving when the battery completely drains (which doesn't happen often, thankfully).
If it's the same as the last time we had lower powered buses (in the form of the old 500s), then it'll be crap. Edinburgh is too hilly for low powered buses to be any use.
On the plus side, there's also a short wheelbase B9 which is being evaluated, though it won't go out in service. They're considering buying a batch, as any ordered before the new emissions regs come in (which the B9s won't meet) can still be delivered afterwards, and Volvo say they won't build any more of the long wheelbase B9s that we normally get.
It's a nice idea to have a window at the stairs (though I don't really see the point), but the way they've done it just looks plain odd. The upper deck also looks quite cramped. If any of these were to be bought, I think the livery might need a rethink, as it just doesn't quite work with the new style.
However, it's only a demonstrator, though different people are saying it'll stay for different amounts of time (either 3, 6 or 12 months, mostly).
From what I've heard, it's a bit slow and those who have driven it aren't particularly keen.
I believe it's the same 5 litre engine we have in the 7905 Hybrids, though they have the advantage of the electric motor, but they're properly slow to get moving when the battery completely drains (which doesn't happen often, thankfully).
If it's the same as the last time we had lower powered buses (in the form of the old 500s), then it'll be crap. Edinburgh is too hilly for low powered buses to be any use.
On the plus side, there's also a short wheelbase B9 which is being evaluated, though it won't go out in service. They're considering buying a batch, as any ordered before the new emissions regs come in (which the B9s won't meet) can still be delivered afterwards, and Volvo say they won't build any more of the long wheelbase B9s that we normally get.
bb21
Emeritus Moderator
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- 24,451
The thick white band at the ceiling just doesn't work. It looks out of proportion with the upper deck windows. The same applies with the glasses along the stairs, which look disjointed and again out of proportion. TfL have at least handled that bit well, with it more or less looking continuous with the upper and lower deck windows.
Also whether Lothian would be happy with the loss of ad revenue from the T remains to be seen.
Also whether Lothian would be happy with the loss of ad revenue from the T remains to be seen.
BurtonM
Member
The DRLs on the front are awfully placed, and the back looks like a mutant ALX400. Also, I think the stair windows also look awful.
90019
Established Member
That's one of the few things I like about it.
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
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- 10,544
Perhaps he ment that seriusly and from a practicle POV as if viewing such things was possible it would make them unpopular with female pax esp on night services? I really hope Lothian find this does work as the thought of more ADL junk on our roads is painfull, its just too unreliable!↲
Robertj21a
On Moderation
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Who says they're unreliable ?
Can't see Brian Souter buying hundreds of unsuitable buses for his fleets around the UK.
Notable how many fewer orders received by Volvo now First Group have dropped buying them.
Robert
I think they should have gone the whole hog and changed the front end. The Eclipse Gemini was a handsome vehicle, but I think the Nokia-mobile-phone front end looks dated these days. The lower front panel still looks like it's been nicked from an old Nissan Micra.
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